Patent Grant
11192006
The present disclosure relates to a golf club and a weight member for golf club.
Golf club balance (swing weight) impacts golf swing of golfers. Golf club balance that fits golfers is different according to the ability of individual golfers. In order to adjust the club balance of a golf club, the following Patent documents 1 and 2, for example, disclose installing a metal weight member in a club shaft on the grip end side.
When striking a ball by a golf club, or when tapping the ground by the grip of a golf club end while holding the club head, vibration occurs in the club shaft. The vibration tends to make the weight member contact with an interior surface of the club shaft and a cap closing a through hole of the grip, thus generating abnormal sound such as chattering noise.
The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstance, and has an object to provide a golf club and a weight member for a golf club capable of preventing generating abnormal noise as described above.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a golf club includes a tubular club shaft having a space therein and having a first end and a second end, a weight member installed on the first end side of the club shaft, and a grip attached to the club shaft on the first end side so as to cover the weight member, wherein the weight member includes a weight main body made of metal and a cover formed by rubbery elastomer for covering the weight main body, the weight main body includes a first end face located on the first end side of the club shaft, a second end face located on the second end side of the club shaft, and an outer side face extending between the first end face and the second end face in a shaft axial direction, the cover includes a side cover portion covering an entire region of the outer side face of the weight main body, a first end cover portion connected to the side cover portion and covering the first end face of the weight main body, and a flange projecting outwardly in a shaft radial direction, and the weight member is installed to the club shaft in such a manner that the side cover portion is located in the space of the club shaft and that the flange engages with the first end of the club shaft outwardly of the club shaft.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the side cover portion, in a state before being installed to the club shaft, may include an equal-diameter portion extending in the shaft axial direction with a substantially constant outer diameter, and a tapered portion located on the second end side of the club shaft with respect to the equal-diameter portion and tapering toward the second end of the club shaft.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the weight member may be provided with a through hole extending in the shaft axial direction.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the cover may further include a second end cover portion covering the second end face of the weight main body.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the rubbery elastomer may have a JIS-A hardness ranging from 50 to 70.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the flange of the cover may be sandwiched between the first end of the club shaft and the grip.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the flange may have a thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm in the shaft axial direction.
In another aspect of the disclosure, an outer surface of the side cover portion, in a state before being installed to the club shaft, may be provided with at least one uneven element for facilitating deformation of the side cover portion.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one uneven element may include one or more grooves.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one uneven element may include one or more protrusions.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one uneven element of the side cover portion, in a state after being installed to the club shaft, may be deformed compressingly in the space of the club shaft in contacting with an interior surface of the club shaft.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the side cover portion may have a length equal to or less than 50 mm in the shaft axial direction.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a weight member for a golf club having a tubular club shaft having a space therein and having a first end and a second end, the weight member adapted to be installed on the first end side of the club shaft, the weight member includes a weight main body made of metal, the weight main body including a first end face to be located on the first end side of the club shaft, a second end face to be located on the second end side of the club shaft, and an outer side face extending between the first end face and the second end face, and a cover formed by rubbery elastomer for covering the weight main body, the cover including a side cover portion covering an entire region of the outer side face of the weight main body, a first end cover portion connected to the side cover portion and covering the first end face of the weight main body, and a flange projecting outwardly in a radial direction of the cover with respect to the side cover portion, wherein the weight member has an outer diameter of the side cover portion capable of being arranged in the space of the club shaft, and the flange has an outer diameter capable of engaging with the first end of the club shaft outwardly of the club shaft.
An embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Note that the same elements or parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments below, and that redundant description of already described elements is omitted.
The club shaft 2, in the shaft axial direction, includes a first end 2a and a second end 2b. In the present embodiment, the club shaft 2 has a tapered shape of the outer and inner diameters both tapering gradually from the first end 2a toward the second end 2b. Note that the first end 2a side of the club shaft may be referred to as “butt end side” and the second end 2b side of the club shaft 2 may be referred to as “tip end side”.
The golf club head 3, which is for striking a ball, is fixed to the second end 2b of the club shaft 2. The golf club head 3, for example, is configured as a wood-type head. In another aspect, the golf club head 3 may be embodied as iron-type, hybrid-type or putter-type.
The grip 4 is attached to the first end 2a side of the club shaft 2. The grip 4, for example, includes a tubular grip main body 4a that golfers grip, and a grip end face 4b located on a one end of the grip main body 4a. The grip main body 4a has a substantially cylindrical tubular shape, more specifically, having a tapered shape tapering according to away from the grip end face 4b. Additionally, another end side of the grip main body 4a is opened (not illustrated) so that the club shaft 2 can be inserted therefrom. Note that the grip end face 4b is provided with a through hole 4c for removing air from the interior of the golf club 1 when the club shaft 2 is inserted.
Although a material of the grip 4 is not particularly limited, a rubber is preferable, for example. As the rubber, for example, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, EPDM, isoprene rubber and mixtures thereof are preferred. In view of moldability of the grip 4, EPDM and styrene butadiene rubber may further be preferred.
The weight member 5 is installed on the first end 2a side of the club shaft 2. Thus, the weight member 5 is located on an opposite side to the golf club head 3 in the shaft axial direction. Such a weight member 5 can be helpful to provide a counterweighted golf club 1.
The weight member 5 is configured to include a weight main body 10 made of metal and a cover 20 formed by rubbery elastomer. The weight member 5 configured as such can be molded integrally using various molding methods (an injection molding, press molding and the like), for example.
As the metallic material for the weight main body 10, it is not particularly limited. Preferably, the metallic material has a specific gravity equal to or more than 5.0, more preferably equal to or more than 7.0, still farther preferably equal to or more than 8.0 in order to obtain sufficient counterweighted balance effect with a small volume. In the present embodiment, a brass weight main body 10 is employed. Although weight of the weight main body 10 is not particularly limited, it is preferably in a range of 5 to 10 g, for example.
The weight main body 10 includes a first end face 11, a second end face 12, and an outer side face 13. In the axial direction of the club shaft 2, the first end face 11 is located on the first end 2a side, and the second end face 12 is located on the second end 2b side. In the present embodiment, both of the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are formed in a flatted plane which is perpendicular to the shaft axial direction. Note that the first and second end faces 11 and 12 are not limited to such an aspect described above.
The rubbery elastomer is a material which has rubber elasticity, and which includes not only vulcanized rubber but also resin material. In the present embodiment, the cover 20 is formed by vulcanized rubber.
The cover 20, for example, includes a side cover portion 21, a first end cover portion 22, and a flange 23.
The side cover portion 21 is configured so as to cover an entire region of the outer side face 13 of the weight main body 10. The side cover portion 21, for example, is configured as a cylindrical shape such which covers an entire surface of the outer side face 13 of the weight main body 10 in the shaft circumferential and axial directions.
The first end cover portion 22, for example, is connected to the side cover portion 21 to cover the first end face 11 of the weight main body 10 at least partially. In the present embodiment, the first end cover portion 22 covers an entire surface of the first end face 11 of the weight main body 10. Additionally, the first end cover portion 22 is provided with a first through hole 25 in response to the central through hole 14 of the weight main body 10. Thus, the weight member 5 is provided with a through hole 30 extending in the shaft axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first through hole 25 has an inner diameter which equals to an inner diameter of the central through hole 14 of the weight main body 10, but alternatively it may be smaller than the inner diameter of the central through hole 14.
The flange 23, for example, protrudes outwardly in the shaft radial direction on the first end cover portion 22 side. That is, an outer diameter D3 (shown in
Next, a method for installing the weight member 5 to the golf club 1 will be explained below. Firstly, the club shaft 2 to which the grip 4 is not attached is prepared. Note that the golf club head 3 may be fixed to the tip end of the club shaft 2 previously.
Next, the weight member 5 is inserted to the club shaft 2 from the first end 2a side. At this time, the weight member 5, as illustrated in
Next, the first end 2a of the club shaft 2 is inserted to the grip 4. Thus, the weight member 5 is installed to the golf club 1.
Advantageous effect of the golf club 1 configured as such will be explained below.
Since the weight member 5 is installed on the first end 2a side of the club shaft 2, a counterweighted golf club 1 can be provided easily. Additionally, preparing a plurality kinds of weight members 5 which is different in weight from one another, and then by selecting one of the weight members 5 which is suitable for a specific golfer and installing it to the golf club 1, a golf club 1 with a swing weight balance optimized for the specific golfer can be produced easily.
Additionally, even after vibration occurs on the club shaft 2 due to striking a ball by the golf club 1, since the side cover portion 21 is provided, the outer side face 13 of the weight main body 10 can be avoided to contact with the inner surface 2i of the club shaft directly. Similarly, the first end face 11 of the weight main body 10 being made of metal can be avoided to contact directly with the grip 4 and the like with the presence of the first end cover portion 22. Accordingly, the golf club 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent generating abnormal noise such as chattering noise and the like caused by the weight member 5 even when vibration occurs on the club shaft 2 due to some factors.
Additionally, the side cover portion 21 and the first end cover portion 22 which are formed by rubbery elastomer can absorb vibration thereon even if it is generated when contacting with the club shaft 2 and/or the grip 4. Thus, the golf club 1 can provide better feeling of use.
Additionally, as illustrated in
Additionally, in the present embodiment, since the weight member 5 is provided with the through hole 30 extending in the axial direction of the club shaft 2, the weight member 5 can be inserted to the space (i) of the club shaft 2 easily while exhausting the air in the club shaft 2 in a manufacturing process of the golf club 1, improving workability.
The equal-diameter portion 21a extends in the shaft axial direction with a substantially constant outer diameter D1. The equal-diameter portion 21a, for example, extends from the flange 23 with a length L1 in the shaft axial direction. The equal-diameter portion 21a forms the side cover portion 21 on the butt end side in the shaft axial direction.
The tapered portion 21b is located on the tip end side in the shaft axial direction with respect to the equal-diameter portion 21a and tapered toward the tip end side in the shaft axial direction. The minimum outer diameter D2 of the tapered portion 21b is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the equal-diameter portion 21a and the inner diameter D4 of the club shaft 2 at the first end 2a. The side cover portion 21 configured as such can facilitate insertion to the club shaft 2 by the tapered portion 21b, improving workability of installing operation.
In some preferred embodiments, a length L2 of the tapered portion 21b in the shaft axial direction may be greater than the length L1 of the equal-diameter portion 21a in the shaft axial direction, more preferably equal to or more than 1.5 times. Thus, workability of installing operation of the weight member 5 to the club shaft 2 can further be improved.
When a length of the side cover portion 21 in the shaft axial direction (i.e., L1+L2 in the present embodiment) becomes long excessively, workability of installing operation may be deteriorated, or the location of the center of gravity of the weight member 5 tends to be away from the first end 2a of the club shaft 2. In the above view point, the length of the side cover portion 21 in the shaft axial direction is preferably equal to or less than 50 mm, more preferably ranging from 5 to 40 mm. This makes it possible to allocate weight of the weight member 5 intensively on the first end 2a side of the club shaft 2.
Additionally, it is preferable that the outer diameter D1 of the equal-diameter portion 21a is substantially same as the inner diameter D4 of the club shaft 2 at the first end 2a. As used herein, the wording “substantially same” admits of having the difference between two values (e.g., between D1 and D4) in a range from −0.1 mm to 0.1 mm at least. Generally, since the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2 tapers from the first end 2a to the second end 2b, the equal-diameter portion 21a having the outer diameter D1 and the length L1 as described above can come into contact with the inner surface 2i the club shaft 2. Thus, the equal-diameter portion 21a can be compressed at least locally.
Accordingly, the weight member 5 can be held by the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2 with interfacial friction to the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2 and reaction force of the cover 20 being under elastic compressive deformation. This helps to prevent the weight member 5 from moving in the shaft axial direction. Further, when the equal-diameter portion 21a has a certain length L1 in the shaft axial direction, the weight member 5 can closely be contact with the club shaft 2 over the shaft axial direction.
Additionally, in the above embodiment, axial force applying to the flange 23 when the golf club 1 is swung can be reduced, the entry of the weight member 5 can be avoided effectively. In order to prevent not only entry of the weight member 5 but also wobbling of the grip end, a thickness t of the flange 23 in the shaft axial direction is preferably in a range from 2 to 6 mm. Further, the flange 23, as illustrated in
As the cover 20 according to the present embodiment, the rubbery elastomer preferably has a JIS-A hardness ranging from 50 to 70. Having the hardness as the above range, vibration absorption property of the cover 20 can improve while maintaining sufficient strength of the flange 23 and the like. Thus, the golf club 1 can provide better feeling of use. Note that the JIS-A hardness is measured according to JIS-K 6253 under the circumstance at 23 degrees C. using a type A durometer.
As illustrated in
[Variation 1]
In the variation 1, the uneven element 40 includes one or more grooves 41. In
As the uneven element 40, the grooves 41 correspond to recessed parts relatively, and a non-grooved part 42 adjacent to the grooves 41 corresponds to a projected part relatively.
In the uneven element 40, a groove width and a depth of the grooves 41 are nor particularly limited. Preferably, a groove width and a depth of the grooves 41 are in a range from 0.5 to 2.0 mm, for example.
In the uneven element 40, the non-grooved part 42 has an outer diameter D1 of the equal-diameter portion 21a. That is, the outer diameter of the non-grooved part 42 is substantially the same as the inner diameter D4 (shown in
When the weight member 50 is being inserted into the club shaft 2, deformation around the uneven element 40 of the side cover portion 21 is promoted upon the side cover portion 21 is compressed by the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2. For example, deformation of the cover portion 21 can be promoted in such a manner that void of the recessed portions (the grooves 41) of the uneven element 40 is reduced, which may reduce friction against the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2. Accordingly, the side cover portion 21 according to the variation 1 can improve workability of installing to the club shaft 2 further. Note that a cross section of the grooves 41 and the like can be modified in various manners.
[Variation 2]
In the variation 2, the uneven element 400 includes one or more protrusions 420. In
In the uneven element 400, the protrusions 420 correspond to relative projected parts, and a non-projected part 410 adjacent to the protrusions 420 correspond to a relative recessed part.
In the uneven element 400, the maximum outer diameter D6 of a location including the protrusions 420, for example, is greater than the inner diameter D4 of the club shaft 2 at the first end 2a, and preferably the difference between the diameters D6 and D4 is in a range from 0.2 to 0.4 mm. On the other hand, in the uneven element 400, the outer diameter D7 of the non-projected part 410, for example, is smaller than the inner diameter D4 of the club shaft 2 at the first end 2a, and preferably the difference between the diameters D4 and D7 is in a range from 0.2 to 0.4 mm, for example.
When the weight member 500 is being inserted into the club shaft 2, deformation around the uneven element 400 of the side cover portion 21 is promoted upon the side cover portion 21 is compressed by the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2. For example, deformation of the cover portion 21 can be promoted in such a manner that void of the recessed portions (the non-projected part 410) of the uneven element 400 is reduced, which may reduce friction against the inner surface 2i of the club shaft 2. Accordingly, the side cover portion 21 according to the variation 2 can improve workability of installing to the club shaft 2 further. Note that a cross section of the protrusions 420 and the like can be modified in various manners such as a rectangular shape, a rib shape and the like.
While the particularly preferred embodiments in accordance with the disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments but can be modified and carried out in various aspects within the scope of the disclosure.
For example, in the above-embodiments, no adhesive agent is provided between a respective one of the weight members 5, 50 and 500 and the club shaft 2. Alternatively, adhesive agent may be employed therebetween.
It should be understood that the elements described in one embodiment and their variations are intended to apply (e.g., replace or add) to the corresponding elements shown in other embodiments without any explicit indication. Additionally, the variations can be implemented in combination with each other, even if there is no explicit description.
In order to confirm the effect of the disclosure, the weight members shown in
Noise Test:
While holding the golf club head of each test wood type golf club having the weight member, the grip was tapped several times on the ground. Then, chattering noise which tends to be heard like as “veen” was evaluated on a five-point scale based on the tester's feelings. The test results indicate that the larger the value, the smaller noise.
Vibration Absorption Test:
A golfer hit a golf ball using each wood-type golf club having the weight member. Then, the state of attenuation of the vibration at the time of the impact was evaluated by goiter feeling. In the evaluation, the damping characteristics were evaluated in five grades. The test results indicate that the larger the value, the higher and better the vibration absorption performance.
Entry Resistance Test:
Five test wood-type golf clubs each having the weight member were prepared for each of the examples and comparative example. Each test golf club was subjected to receive vertical vibration (up to 10000 times) with the grip up, and the grip was removed sequentially for one golf club arbitrarily selected from five every 2000 vibrations. Then, occurrence of entry of the weight member into the club shaft was visually inspected. The evaluation was based on the number of vibrations at which the entry occurred, and was evaluated on a five-point scale. The larger values indicate better resistance of entry.
The following are the common specifications of the embodiments.
Table 1 shows the test results.
From the test results, it is confirmed that golf clubs of examples show better performance in the noise test, the vibration absorption test and the entry resistance test.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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| JP2019-085019 | Apr 2019 | JP | national |
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| 20200338408 A1 | Oct 2020 | US |
